North American AZA/SSP African Lion Population

StoppableSan said:
Are AZA zoos managing both generic lions and South African lions? I'm curious with the amount of imported South African lions whether they're being managed as two populations similar to Masai and generic giraffes.
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Aren't there only two recognized subspecies of lions nowadays, anyway?

The Northern Africa/Asiatic subspecies (Panthera leo leo)and the Southern Africa subspecies (Panthera leo melanochaita)?
 
Wisp O' Mist said:
Aren't there only two recognized subspecies of lions nowadays, anyway?

The Northern Africa/Asiatic subspecies (Panthera leo leo)and the Southern Africa subspecies (Panthera leo melanochaita)?
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To my knowledge the AZA thankfully doesn't support that outrageous taxonomy change and still recognizes the old subspecies system for lions, tigers, ect.
 
Wisp O' Mist said:
What's so "outrageous" about there only being two subspecies of lions?
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Mostly its the fusing of the Asiatic lion with north african lions that really seems like a lumper's wet dream. There is no interbreeding between these populations, Asiatic lions also have a slightly different social structure compared to african lions. I'll admit other than the asiatic lion the other lion populations I am not as knowledgeable about their boundaries and genetics to say either way, its more of my anger over the tiger subspecies which imo makes almost zero sense due to the subspecies not only not interbreeding but having easily seen physical differences aswell. It's my distrust over the seeming unnecessary lumping with the tigers that makes me call into question the validity of their claims over the lion subspecies. I'd take it more seriously after several more studies are taken by different groups as we don't want to realize we were wrong and they were distinct and reach another giraffe situation where we have a bunch of generic hybrids.

this is why I am happy to see the AZA keeping with the 9 subspecies model for tigers and seeing several zoos still sign their lions as Panthera leo krugeri
 
LycaonSekowei said:
AFAIK, there are no Asiatic Lions in the US. The only pure subspecies in US zoos are Panthera leo krugeri (AKA the Southeast African Lion), and allegedly according to Zootierliste, a single zoo in the US (Lion Habitat Ranch) holds Panthera leo leo (Barbary Lion). The rest are generic hybrid lions.
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IIRC the Barbary Lion Project did not identify any animals that are still living, the ones at Lion Habitat Ranch are most likely hybrids to some degree. Austin Zoo has "Barbary Lions" with good lineage, but still not pure.
 
lifelonglionlover said:
The Tulsa Zoo has announced the transfer of (1.0) Kalu later this fall to an unspecified facility.

Tulsa Zoo
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USZOOfan42 said:
Detroit Zoo’s female lion, Binti will leave to an unknown zoo and the zoo will receive an unknown male. Detroit Zoo on Instagram: "You say, "Goodbye" and I say, "Hello!” – we’re welcoming a new lion and saying farewell to another. As the first lion cub born at the Detroit Zoo in 40 years, Binti has truly made a special impact on all of us. With that said, she has received a Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation and will soon head to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo. The SSP recommends moves such as this to promote the health, genetic diversity and overall sustainability of lion populations in zoos – and we're hopeful that one day Binti will contribute to the conservation of her species by becoming a mother herself. Saying goodbye is always bittersweet – especially for an animal that has such a special bond with our animal care staff. Born to parents Simba and Asha on Sept. 10, 2020, Binti had to be hand-raised because of complications that occurred during her mother’s labor. However, with the help of our incredibly dedicated zookeepers, Binti has grown and thrived to become a healthy, well-socialized lion. As a fellow AZA-accredited facility, Binti’s new home will offer her outstanding care and everything she needs to continue thriving as a positive ambassador for lions everywhere. Though she will be missed at the Detroit Zoo, we're excited for all that awaits Binti in this next adventure. Even though we’re saying goodbye to Binti, we are excited to announce that a new male lion will soon be joining Asha and Amirah! Be sure to stay tuned to our social media channels in the coming weeks as we announce new details on what’s planned for this pride. Jennifer Harte & Patti Truesdell"
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As Tusla announced, (1.0) lion Kalu was transferred to the Detroit Zoo in Michigan.

24K views · 1.1K reactions | Kalu is on his way to his new home at the Detroit Zoo to join the pride with Asha and Amirah. From the moment he arrived at the Tulsa Zoo, Kalu has held... | By Tulsa Zoo | Facebook
 
LycaonSekowei said:
AFAIK, there are no Asiatic Lions in the US. The only pure subspecies in US zoos are Panthera leo krugeri (AKA the Southeast African Lion), and allegedly according to Zootierliste, a single zoo in the US (Lion Habitat Ranch) holds Panthera leo leo (Barbary Lion). The rest are generic hybrid lions.
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why aren't there asiantic lions in the US?
 
SwampDonkey said:
IIRC we primarily just don't have a founder stock and AZA decided to go the route of phasing out the hybrids. There used to be some AZA zoos that kept "Asiatic" lions, but I believe they were largely hybrids.

Personally I would LOVE for the AZA to expand holdings into Asiatic lions.
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I would also totally love to see the AZA expand holdings into Asian lions because you have to go all the way over to Europe to see them in captivity but I would also love to see the AZA expand into Asian lions because that way I can see the kind of lions that David from the Bible encountered.
 
Tigeanderson said:
I would also totally love to see the AZA expand holdings into Asian lions because you have to go all the way over to Europe to see them in captivity but I would also love to see the AZA expand into Asian lions because that way I can see the kind of lions that David from the Bible encountered.
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I 100% agree with both statements!
 
USZOOfan42 said:
Detroit Zoo’s female lion, Binti will leave to an unknown zoo and the zoo will receive an unknown male. Detroit Zoo on Instagram: "You say, "Goodbye" and I say, "Hello!” – we’re welcoming a new lion and saying farewell to another. As the first lion cub born at the Detroit Zoo in 40 years, Binti has truly made a special impact on all of us. With that said, she has received a Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation and will soon head to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo. The SSP recommends moves such as this to promote the health, genetic diversity and overall sustainability of lion populations in zoos – and we're hopeful that one day Binti will contribute to the conservation of her species by becoming a mother herself. Saying goodbye is always bittersweet – especially for an animal that has such a special bond with our animal care staff. Born to parents Simba and Asha on Sept. 10, 2020, Binti had to be hand-raised because of complications that occurred during her mother’s labor. However, with the help of our incredibly dedicated zookeepers, Binti has grown and thrived to become a healthy, well-socialized lion. As a fellow AZA-accredited facility, Binti’s new home will offer her outstanding care and everything she needs to continue thriving as a positive ambassador for lions everywhere. Though she will be missed at the Detroit Zoo, we're excited for all that awaits Binti in this next adventure. Even though we’re saying goodbye to Binti, we are excited to announce that a new male lion will soon be joining Asha and Amirah! Be sure to stay tuned to our social media channels in the coming weeks as we announce new details on what’s planned for this pride. Jennifer Harte & Patti Truesdell"
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Binti was moved to the Sacramento Zoo in California.

Sacramento Zoo
 
A question for people who are familiar with the zoo lion populations here: is there a straightforward way to tell which zoos have the pedigreed P. l. krugeri and which zoos just have generic lions? I'm guessing any AZA zoo that 1) has a breeding pair/group, or 2) has produced offspring in the last few years would have krugeri; would any AZA zoos receiving lions under a certain age cut-off also be safe to assume have krugeri? And are there zoos that may have both still?
 
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